Last updated April 3, 2025 by Sonja Overhiser, Certified Mixologist
Tequila is one of the best selling liquors in America—and it’s easy to see why! This versatile Mexican agave liquor stars in iconic classics like the Margarita and Paloma, but it shines in many more creative mixed drinks. From refreshing highballs to sophisticated slow-sippers, our curated collection features 25 well-tested tequila cocktails for every palate and occasion.
We’ve perfected each of these easy-to-follow tequila cocktail recipes, including professional tips, flavor notes, and serving suggestions to help you create perfectly balanced mixed drinks!
Our top tequila cocktails
The classic margarita is the best known of all tequila cocktails, invented in in Mexico in the late 1930’s. This timeless drink balances the bright agave notes of tequila with tangy lime and orange liqueur, finished with a salt rim that enhances every sip.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz tequila reposado
- 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
- ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt rim and lime wheel for garnish
Browse our top 25 margarita recipes for flavors like strawberry, mango, and more!
This refreshing highball combines the bright citrus notes of grapefruit with the earthy complexity of tequila. Our version uses fresh grapefruit juice instead of soda for a more vibrant, natural flavor that lets quality tequila shine through.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- ½ oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz soda water
- Flaky sea salt & grapefruit wedge, for the garnish
Created in the 1970s, this striking cocktail combines the smooth warmth of tequila with sweet orange juice and the ruby-red depth of grenadine, layered in a gradient the colors of a sunrise. All you need is 3 ingredients—and no special techniques or equipment.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz orange juice
- ¾ oz grenadine syrup
- For the garnish: Cocktail cherry, orange slice
This cowboy classic has gained national popularity for its clean, refreshing simplicity. The sparkling Topo Chico creates fine bubbles that elevate the tequila's flavors, while lime adds just enough brightness. It’s like a bubbly, lighter version of the margarita.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz tequila
- 1 ½ oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 4 oz Topo Chico or other sparkling mineral water
- For serving: lime wedges or wheels, ice
A spin on the classic Moscow Mule, this combination of fiery ginger beer and tequila's signature finish is uniquely refreshing—and simple to make! Served in a traditional copper mug, this tequila cocktail stays ice-cold from first sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- For the garnish: lime slice
The El Diablo is one of those tequila drinks that flies under the radar: the rich, aged notes of reposado tequila with blackcurrant liqueur for a sophisticated highball cocktail. The ginger beer adds a spicy kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz tequila reposado
- ½ oz crème de cassis (or substitute Chambord or crème de mure)
- ¾ oz lime juice
- 3 oz ginger beer
This regional Mexican specialty loads up on fresh citrus juices for a vibrant, layered flavor profile. The traditional clay cup isn't just social media-worthy—it keeps the drink colder longer (though you can serve it in a highball glass, too!).
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- 4 oz grapefruit soda
This modern classic created by bartender Katie Stipe in 2006 combines the bitter complexity of Campari with tequila's depth and brightness of citrus. Each sip is balanced and refreshing, making it one of our favorite modern tequila cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- ½ oz Campari
- ½ oz grapefruit juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- To garnish: grapefruit, lemon or lime wedge
This elegant tequila cocktail combines the structure of a classic whiskey sour with tequila's unique flavor profile. The egg white creates a silky texture and softens tequila's edge, balanced with a zingy lemon lime flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila reposado
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 egg white
- Lime wheel and cocktail cherry, for garnish
This savory variation swaps vodka for tequila in the classic Bloody Mary, creating a more complex and flavorful cocktail. The earthy agave notes of tequila complement the tomato and spices and add a distinctive finish to this tequila drink!
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 2 cups tomato juice, chilled
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- ½ tsp Mexican hot sauce (like Cholula)
- ½ tsp celery salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (8 ounces) tequila, chilled
- To serve: Old Bay seasoning or chili powder, kosher salt, celery stalk
This sophisticated sipper is a modern classic invented by bartender Phil Ward in 2007, a blend of smoky mezcal, smooth tequila, and hints of chocolate. The chocolate bitters add complexity to this tequila cocktail while allowing the agave spirits to remain the stars.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz tequila reposado
- ½ oz mezcal
- 1 tsp agave syrup or honey
- 3 dashes chocolate bitters (or substitute Angostura bitters)
- Orange peel, for garnish
This variation on the wildly popular Espresso Martini swaps vodka for tequila, adding earthiness and complexity that complements the rich coffee flavors. Shake it up and enjoy this buzz-worthy cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlua, Tia Maria, or other)
- 1 oz room temperature espresso (or strong coffee or cold brew concentrate)
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3 coffee beans, to garnish
This upscale tequila cocktail floats Grand Marnier on top of a perfectly balanced margarita, adding depth and complexity. The aged cognac in the Grand Marnier complements reposado tequila, creating a sophisticated cocktail that's perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz best quality tequila reposado
- 1 oz Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz Grand Marnier
- For serving: Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, lime wedge
This creative fusion tequila cocktail replaces traditional orange liqueur with amaretto, adding notes of almond and cherry to create a smooth and flavorful margarita variation. The orange juice adds brightness while taming tequila's bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 ½ oz fresh squeezed orange juice or blood orange juice
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) amaretto
- ½ oz (1 tablespoon) lime juice
- Kosher salt or flaky sea salt (or margarita salt), for the rim
- For the garnish: Lime wedge, orange slice
This warming spin on Irish coffee combines two Mexican spirits—tequila and Kahlua—for a delicious after-dinner treat. The orange notes from Triple Sec brighten the rich coffee flavors, while the tequila adds distinctive character.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz warm coffee
- ½ oz tequila
- ½ oz Kahlua
- ½ oz Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
- 1 dash vanilla extract
- To serve: Sweetened whipped cream and cinnamon
This frosty variation on the classic margarita became an American sensation in the 1970s and today remains a staple of Tex-Mex restaurants and pool parties. Our version balances sweetness perfectly while maintaining the bright citrus kick that makes margaritas so refreshing.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 6 oz tequila blanco or reposado
- 4 oz (½ cup) Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 3 oz (6 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
- 2 pz (¼ cup) simple syrup
- 4 ½ cups ice
- For the rim: kosher salt or pink sea salt
This minimalist tequila cocktail follows the "less is more" philosophy, allowing a good tequila's natural flavors to shine. The soda water adds refreshing effervescence, while lime adds just enough brightness to lift the drink. It’s a great impromptu tequila drink to mix up when visitors drop by.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz tequila reposado
- 4 to 5 oz soda water
- 2 lime wedges
This simple two-ingredient tequila cocktail combines the bright, tart-sweet balance of lemonade with tequila's signature character. Think of it as a more casual, easy-drinking cousin to the margarita—perfect for backyard barbecues and casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz homemade lemonade or purchased lemonade
- 2 oz (¼ cup) tequila
- For serving: Ice, fresh mint
The tropical flair of pineapple juice pairs beautifully with tequila's agave notes in this simple yet satisfying two-ingredient tequila cocktail. The sweetness in the juice balances tequila's spicy finish while the fruity flavor creates a vacation-worthy mixed drink with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- To serve: Ice, lime wedges, fresh mint (optional)
This spin on the G&T pairs the subtle bitterness of tonic water with tequila's distinctive character. It makes a sophisticated tequila mixed rink with more complexity than a Tequila Soda but the same refreshing quality!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz tequila
- 2 lime wedges, plus more for serving
- 4 oz tonic water
This simple variation on the classic Screwdriver swaps vodka for tequila, resulting in a more flavorful and interesting brunch-ready tequila cocktail. The agave notes of the tequila complement the sweet citrus perfectly for a more complex sipper.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz orange juice
- For serving: Ice, orange or lime wedges, cocktail cherry
The subtle sweetness and spice of ginger ale creates a surprisingly tasty pairing with tequila in this cocktail that's reminiscent of the Mexican Mule. The sweet, delicately bubbly ale adds an effervescence that makes for a delicious two-ingredient mixed drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila reposado (or blanco)
- 4 oz ginger ale
- For serving: Lime wedge, ice
This elegant variation on the classic Manhattan replaces whiskey with aged tequila reposado, which offers similar vanilla and oak notes but with distinctive agave character. The sweet vermouth and orange bitters complement the tequila beautifully (swap it 1:1 in the linked recipe and use orange bitters).
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz sweet red vermouth
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- For serving: Luxardo cherry
This fusion cocktail, popular in Austin, Texas, serves margarita-inspired flavors straight up like a martini. The addition of olive brine and dry vermouth creates a savory complexity in this intruiging tequila cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) Cointreau
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz dry white vermouth
- For the garnish: kosher salt, lime wedge and olive
This variation on the classic equal-parts Negroni cocktail swaps gin for tequila, creating an intriguing tequila cocktail. The bitter Campari and sweet vermouth balance the distinctive agave character; or try the Rosita, a more nuanced spin that's become a modern classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet or semi-sweet red vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- For the garnish: Orange peel, ice
Want simple tequila cocktails? Try these 2 Ingredient Tequila Drinks!
Types of tequila
The secret to the best tequila cocktails? Buy a good tequila! A cocktail is only as good as the alcohol you use. Look for a mid-price range tequila (or a high end one, if your budget allows). You can buy either blanco or reposado, depending on the drink. Save tequila añejo (“aged”) for sipping instead of mixed rinks.Here’s the difference between these types of tequila and when to use them:
- Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila): Aged less than 2 months with a bold, straightforward agave flavor. Use in simple drinks like the Tequila Sunrise or Frozen Margarita.
- Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish): Aged for 2 to 12 months in oak barrels, developing notes of vanilla and caramel. Ideal for sophisticated drinks like the Classic Margarita or Cadillac Margarita.
Expert tips for cocktail success
- Use fresh juices: Always use fresh juice in cocktails: the flavor difference is unparalleled.
- Salt rim technique: Moisten only the outside edge of your glass with lime, then dip it at a 45-degree angle for a professional-looking rim.
- Consider glassware: The right glass enhances aromas and maintains proper temperature—details do matter!
- Quality ice: For visually stunning drinks, consider making clear ice at home.
A few more tequila cocktails
Love margaritas? Check out our 25 Best Margarita Recipes that include creative variations like Jalapeño Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Mango Margarita, and more. Our guide includes expert tips on tequila selection, ratios, and techniques to make signature margaritas at home.
Top Tequila Cocktails: Paloma & More
Pin Recipe
Print RecipeCombine tequila and grapefruit and you’ve got the classic Mexican paloma cocktail! Here’s how to make this tangy and refreshing drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila blanco
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce soda water
- Flaky sea salt and grapefruit wedge, for the garnish
Instructions
- Cut a notch in the grapefruit wedge, then run the grapefruit around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt.
- To the glass, add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, syrup and stir until combined.
- Fill the glass with ice (clear ice if you want to get fancy!). Top with soda water and serve!
More types of cocktails
There are so many more great cocktail recipes to try! Here are some of our best drink collections:
- Sour Cocktails All the very best sours: Whiskey Sour, Sidecar, even the Margarita and Mojito.
- Vodka Cocktails Try the greats: Gimlet, Cosmo, and more.
- Gin Cocktails All the classics: Gin Fizz, Tom Collins, Gin & Tonic, and more!
- Bourbon Cocktails Try these bourbon greats, like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
- Campari Cocktails Unique spins like the Boulevardier and Negroni Sbagliato, classics like the Negroni.
- Highball Cocktails Easy to drink and even easier to make!
- Cointreau Cocktails All the great drinks using this orange liqueur.
- Champagne Cocktails These cocktails are light and bubbly! Perfect for celebration.
- Cranberry Cocktails Cranberry cocktails are so refreshing, like Vodka Cranberry and Sea Breeze.
- Frozen Alcoholic Drinks Cool off with Frose or Frozen Sangria.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/HEfJaYd
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